Countdown to Costumes

Yes! Halloween is just around the corner. We know...It isn't even October yet, but we just couldn't wait to talk about the greatest Holiday ever! 

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The number one thing on your check list of To-Do's for Halloween should be the Costume. Now, for some of you, this may sound like the easiest To-Do. You're thinking..."Halloween stores are popping up all over the place. I'll just run on over and buy the first thing that catches my eye." Which is fine, but why not start thinking about your costume now, save yourself some money and make your costume this year? 

There are tons...and we mean tons of ideas for Do It Yourself costumes on the interent these days. We did some google-ing and narrowed down the searches for you. These sites have great DIY ideas on costumes for kids of all ages. Some ideas even incorporate materials you can find around your house.

Check out the sites we found and get inspired!

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1. www.frugalmomandwife.com 

This site has 45 DIY costumes for kids that are super cute and super easy to make. The site even includes tutorials and photos with step by step instructions. You gotta love that!

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2. www.inhabitots.com

Who knew so many costumes could be entirely made from Card Board Boxes? This site has 8 great ideas. And we would love to see the Biodegradable Ball Gown come to life...just sayin'.

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3. www.wondermomwannabe.com 

With ideas from Costumes to make using balloons to costumes to make with items purchased from the Dollar Store...this site has super easy ideas that are sure to save you time and money this Halloween.

Thinking you have plenty of time? Think again.

Halloween will be here before you know it.

33 Days and Counting!

Biodegradable Ball Gown

Biodegradable Ball Gown

Out With the Old and In With the New

The toothbrush is your number one oral hygiene accessory.  Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush? 

It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one ever 3 to 4 months. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your tooth brush have become worn that's a clear sign...you need a new toothbrush. People who wear braces should change their toothbrushes frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness. 

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It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement. 

So mark those calendars for every 3 to 4 months and it’s out with the old and in with the new.  

After reading the above you're probably thinking…”My toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it.” And maybe that’s true, but did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming your mouth? 

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush: 

1. Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck. 

2. Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that… an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque. 

3. Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. Do we need to say it again? Germs and bacteria in your mouth twice a day, every day. 

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Feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful? We’ve got a solution. Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great at cleaning around facet fixtures and in tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer key boards and tennis shoes.

Fall Into Healthy Foods

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We all know that brushing, flossing and annual check-ups are important to our oral health, but did you know that what you eat is just as important?

The official start of fall is September 23^rd, which is quickly approaching. Fall brings about much change as the leaves turn rusted colors, the weather becomes cooler and many fruits and vegetables begin to be harvested. Many people spend summer time eating lots of sweet treats, but as we transition to fall we should focus on healthier foods. Here’s a list of 5 healthy fall foods.

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Apples: This fruit can be ate alone as a snack or baked into your favorite dishes, such as apple pies. There’s a variety apples you can to choose from such as Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples.

Health Benefits: 
Full of Antioxidants
Provides Dietary Fiber 

Harvest Season:
August - November

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Pumpkins: Not only good for carving, pumpkins are great for pies, muffins and even its seeds eaten by themselves.

Health Benefits: 
Source of Potassium
Source of Fiber
Source of Vitamin B

Harvest Season: 

October - February

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Squash: Squash is a vegetable that is great as a side dish, paired with pasta or even cab be pureed and used as a dip.

Health Benefits: 
Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Source of Vitamin A

Harvest Season:

October - February

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Pomegranates: This fruit can be eaten alone, but also its juices serve as a great marinade and its seeds are often tossed into salads.

Health Benefits:
Great Antioxidant
Source of Vitamin C
Source of Folate

Harvest Season: 

August - December

 

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Brussels Sprouts: Brussels Sprouts are vegetables that are great for salads, pasta dishes and can also be paired as a side to main courses.

Health Benefits: 
Source of Vitamin C
Source of Vitamin K
Source of Folate
Source of Iron 

Harvest Season: 

September - March

 

Remember, while undergoing orthodontic treatment you must be mindful of what foods you are eating. We not only want you to have a great looking smile, but healthy smile as well.

#ICEBUCKETCHALLENGE

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By now you probably have watched the video on our Facebook page where Dr. Lenz and our team jumped into a pool full of ice water. Or you might have seen the internet taken over by videos of people dumping buckets of ice water on their heads. The viral movement was created in order to spread awareness about ALS, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

The ice bucket challenge took social media by storm with everyone, including your favorite celebrities, participating. The way it works is you get a bucket of ice water, pour it on your head and post the video on social media challenging others to do the same. If the person does not accept the challenge they must then donate to an ALS associated charity.

The craze is for a good cause bring awareness to a rarely talked about disease. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of motor neurons eventually leads to death.

Today the challenge has been able to raise nearly 88.5 million dollars (reported by Huffington Post), with the association gaining 1.9 million new donors.

To learn more about ALS, how to donate and more visit the ALS Association official site ALSA.org

Watch our Ice Bucket Challenge Video here 

School's Now in Session

It’s that time of the year again. It is time to set the kids alarms and pack their lunches. Care-free summer days are over, school is now in session.

Going back to school can be a sad moment for kids. However, this is a moment most parents are very fond of. Children are they’re back in the classroom and parents finally get back to their regular schedules. As your kids get back to the books you want to make sure their prepared for the school year ahead. Making sure your kids have the supplies essential to helping them learn is very important.

Classrooms are stocked with supplies needed to assist in learning, but most students are still required to have their own personal items. Depending on the age of your child some supplies are more necessary than others. We’ve compiled a list the top 5 supplies need in categories by level of education.

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Elementary: K-5^th grade

• Colored pencils
• Glue
• Safety scissors
• Pencil sharpener
• Pencil box

Middle School: 6^th-8^th grade

• Supportive backpack

  

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• Binder pencil case
• Binder with dividers
• Ball point pens
• Calculator

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High School: 9^th-12^th

• College ruled paper
• Agenda calendar
• Combination lock
• Hole puncher
• Highlighters

Now that you have the proper supplies needed for the school year, don’t forget to make an appointment with us to be sure your child’s teeth are in great shape for the new school year.

The New System, The Damon System

Move over tradition braces there’s a new system in town. This innovative braces system helps you get the perfect smile in a more convenient way, The Damon System.

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Damon braces have been uniquely prescribed for you. This innovative technology allows us to use high-tech, light-force wire to achieve tooth movement with less pressure on your teeth for more comfortable treatment. Since the Damon braces work more efficiently, we will require fewer office visits to achieve your beautiful smile!

The Damon bracket is a special self-ligating bracket which provides less friction, increased comfort and shorter treatment time.

The Damon System sets itself apart from traditional braces in three distinctive ways.

• Quicker Results: Depending on your case, this may mean a savings of many months. After analyzing your specific needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon!
• More Comfort:  We can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Damon System braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.
• Fewer Office Visits: Because Damon System braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number.

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Want to learn more about the Damon System treatment ? Call our office and set an appointment today!

Hard Hits and Guarded Teeth

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As fall approaches one thing is for sure, it’s almost time for football. Boys and young men around the country are starting to gear up to throw around the good ol’ pigskin. However, while scoring touchdowns and making tackles they must remember that safety the mouth has to be taken into consideration.

Football is a contact sport allowing for the possibility of many injuries while playing, including injuries to the face and mouth. Sports-related dental injuries are reported to be the cause of over 600,000 emergency rooms visits per year. You must take extra pre-caution to protect your teeth, during orthodontic treatment (ie, braces).

To protect your teeth you must wear a mouth guard. A mouth guard can help prevent injury to the teeth, mouth and even jaw. Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect your upper and lower teeth. You can buy a stock mouth guard or get a custom guard made. The right fit mouth guard will act as cushions protecting your mouth from hits and preventing serious injury.

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With a mouth guard you prevent injury that can result in permanent damage. For athletes under orthodontic treatment consult with us for the choosing the best mouth guard for you.